The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E and NV352 are both popular upright vacuum cleaners known for their versatility and powerful suction. Both models belong to Shark’s Navigator Lift-Away series, which is celebrated for its ability to transition from a traditional upright vacuum to a portable, lightweight cleaner. These vacuums cater to homeowners seeking an affordable yet effective solution for tackling various cleaning tasks around the house, from carpets and hard floors to upholstery and tight spaces.
Choosing between the NV356E and NV352 can be tricky, as they share many similarities. However, some key differences might make one a better fit for specific needs. This comparison aims to break down the nuances of each model, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into their features, performance, design, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of what each vacuum offers.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
- Short Review of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E?
- Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For those prioritizing versatility and a slightly enhanced feature set: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is the better choice. Its additional tools and potentially stronger suction (depending on the specific configuration) make it more adaptable to various cleaning scenarios.
- For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with reliable performance: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 remains a solid choice. It offers the core benefits of the Lift-Away design and powerful suction at a typically lower price point.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is a versatile upright vacuum cleaner designed for whole-home cleaning. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away technology, which allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. The NV356E boasts strong suction power, making it effective on both carpets and hard floors. Swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture with ease.
The NV356E comes with a range of attachments, including a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet power brush, making it well-equipped to handle various cleaning tasks. Its lightweight design and easy-to-empty dust cup add to its user-friendliness. The NV356E is an excellent option for those who need a powerful and adaptable vacuum cleaner that can tackle multiple surfaces and cleaning scenarios.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is a lightweight upright vacuum cleaner offering powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its Lift-Away design allows for easy conversion to a portable canister vacuum, ideal for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces. The NV352 is designed with swivel steering, providing excellent maneuverability around obstacles.
Equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, the NV352 captures and contains dust and allergens, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers. While it may have fewer attachments compared to the NV356E, it still includes essential tools for effective cleaning. The NV352 is a cost-effective option that delivers reliable performance and the convenience of a Lift-Away design.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Attachments: The NV356E typically includes more attachments than the NV352, such as a pet power brush or a wider upholstery tool.
- Suction Power: While both offer strong suction, the NV356E might have a slightly higher wattage or airflow, depending on the specific configuration.
- Color Options: The NV356E often comes in more color options than the NV352.
- Price: The NV352 is generally more affordable than the NV356E.
- Weight: The NV352 is often slightly lighter than the NV356E.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E | Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright Vacuum | Upright Vacuum |
| Lift-Away Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~13.7 lbs | ~12.5 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 quarts | 1.2 quarts |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | 25 feet |
| Filtration | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Seal Technology | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Seal Technology |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush (Varies) | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool |
| Wattage | 1200 watts | 1200 watts |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches | 9.5 inches |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 typically retails for around $120-$150, while the NV356E is usually priced between $150-$200. The price difference often reflects the additional attachments included with the NV356E. Both models offer a good value proposition, but the NV352 provides a more budget-friendly entry point into the Shark Navigator Lift-Away series. When assessing the cost-to-feature ratio, consider whether the extra attachments of the NV356E justify the higher price for your specific cleaning needs. If you primarily need a basic vacuum for floors and occasional above-floor cleaning, the NV352 offers excellent performance at a lower cost. However, if you require specialized tools for pet hair, upholstery, or detailed cleaning, the NV356E may be worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E and NV352 share a similar design aesthetic, characterized by a lightweight plastic construction and a functional layout. The Lift-Away feature is central to their design, allowing the canister to detach easily for portable cleaning. Both models have a similar build quality. While they are primarily made of plastic, they feel reasonably durable for their price point.
The NV356E often features more color options, allowing you to choose a model that better matches your personal style. The ergonomics are similar on both models, with a comfortable handle and easy-to-reach controls. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and obstacles. Overall, both vacuums offer a practical and user-friendly design, with the NV356E potentially offering a slightly more premium feel due to its additional color options and attachments.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
Both the NV356E and NV352 offer strong suction power, making them effective on various surfaces. The NV356E might have a slight edge in suction, depending on the specific configuration, but the difference is often negligible in real-world use.
Carpet Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on carpets, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair. The motorized brush roll agitates carpet fibers, lifting embedded dirt for thorough cleaning.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both models can effectively clean hard floors, thanks to the ability to turn off the brush roll to prevent scattering debris. The suction power is sufficient to pick up dust and dirt without damaging the floor surface.
Edge Cleaning
Both vacuums have decent edge cleaning capabilities, but they might struggle to reach একেবারে corners. Using the crevice tool attachment can improve edge cleaning performance.
Pet Hair Removal
The NV356E often includes a pet power brush attachment, making it more effective at removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets. While the NV352 can still handle pet hair, it might require more passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E: The NV356E often includes additional attachments like a pet power brush or a wider upholstery tool. These attachments enhance its versatility, making it better suited for homes with pets or those requiring more specialized cleaning tools.
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352: The NV352 focuses on core functionality, offering the essential Lift-Away feature and strong suction power. While it may have fewer attachments, it still provides excellent value for its price point.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E and NV352 are designed for ease of use. The Lift-Away feature allows for quick conversion to a portable canister vacuum, making it easy to clean stairs and above-floor surfaces. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture with ease.
The dust cup is easy to empty, and the filters are washable, simplifying maintenance. Both models are relatively lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver. The NV356E might have a slightly steeper learning curve due to its additional attachments, but overall, both vacuums are user-friendly and suitable for both novice and experienced users.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E and NV352 require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Emptying the dust cup after each use is essential to prevent clogs and maintain suction power. The filters should be cleaned regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
Check the brush roll for tangled hair or debris and remove any obstructions. The warranty coverage for both models is typically around 1-year, protecting against manufacturing defects. With proper care and maintenance, both vacuums can provide several years of reliable service.
- Homeowners with pets who need a vacuum with a specialized pet power brush.
- Those who require a wider range of attachments for various cleaning tasks.
- Individuals who don’t mind paying a slightly higher price for enhanced versatility.
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a reliable and powerful upright vacuum.
- Those who need a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum for everyday cleaning.
- Individuals who primarily need a vacuum for floors and occasional above-floor cleaning.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E and NV352 are excellent upright vacuums that offer powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. The NV356E is the better choice for those who need a wider range of attachments and don’t mind paying a slightly higher price. Its pet power brush and additional tools make it well-suited for homes with pets and those requiring more specialized cleaning.
However, the NV352 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers who need a reliable and powerful vacuum for everyday cleaning. It offers the core benefits of the Lift-Away design and strong suction at a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific cleaning needs and budget.
